QUALIFSI – Food Quality & International Standards Présentiel

In a context of globalized trade and increasing food safety requirements, mastering food quality systems has become a key issue for public health, consumer confidence and market access. International standards and risk-based approaches now play a central role in structuring national food safety systems and facilitating access to international markets (European Union, United States, China, etc.).

QUALIFSI provides an integrated approach to food quality, focusing on value chain analysis, stakeholder roles and international reference frameworks such as the Codex Alimentarius, WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) and the WTO SPS Agreement.

The programme explores how food quality is built and controlled along the value chain — from primary production to final consumption — while addressing the specific challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries.

Through interactive lectures, case studies and applied exercises, participants develop a practical understanding of risk-based quality management systems, governance mechanisms and the role of official services, laboratories and private operators in ensuring food safety within a One Health perspective.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key dimensions of food quality in an international and trade-oriented context.

• Analyse agri-food value chains and the roles of public and private stakeholders in ensuring food safety.

• Interpret major international standards (Codex Alimentarius, WOAH, WTO SPS Agreement) and their implications for market access.

• Apply basic principles of risk-based food safety and quality management systems.

• Position food quality as a governance tool supporting veterinary public health and sustainable development.

This programme is designed for:

• Public officers and veterinary services staff

• Food safety and quality regulators

• Veterinary and agricultural engineers

• Laboratory managers and inspectors

• Experts involved in trade, export certification and SPS issues

• Professionals engaged in international cooperation projects

Participants should:

• Have a professional background in food safety, veterinary public health, agriculture, laboratory services, or related fields.

• Possess basic knowledge of food production systems or regulatory frameworks (recommended but not mandatory).

• Be proficient in English, as the training is delivered entirely in English.

This training is organized upon request for a dedicated group (approximately 12 participants).

The format (duration, content, case studies and field components) can be fully adapted to the institutional context and the needs of the commissioning organization.

A preparatory meeting can be organized in advance to tailor practical exercises and case studies to the country context, priority value chains and applicable regulatory frameworks.

The training can be delivered:

• On-site in the requesting country

• At CIRAD (Montpellier, France)

For a customized quotation or any additional information, please contact: 📩 prisme.formation@cirad.fr

• Interactive lectures on international standards, food safety governance and risk-based approaches

• Applied value chain analysis and stakeholder mapping exercises

• Case studies based on real export and food safety scenarios

• Group work and problem-solving workshops

• Experience sharing with international experts and practitioners

• Field visits or practical simulations (depending on the delivery format and country context)

• Structured theoretical presentations and reference materials

• International standards documents and regulatory frameworks (Codex, WOAH, WTO SPS)

• Case study documentation and practical worksheets

• Group work tools and analytical templates

• Audiovisual materials and field-based learning resources

• Access to selected technical guidelines and reference documents

• Continuous assessment through group work, case study discussions and practical exercises

• Group presentations based on applied value chain analysis

• Active participation in interactive sessions

• End-of-training evaluation questionnaire

• Certificate of participation issued upon completion of the programme

The training is delivered by senior experts with extensive experience in:

• Food safety and quality systems

• Veterinary public health and official controls

• International standards and regulatory frameworks (Codex Alimentarius, WOAH, WTO SPS Agreement)

• Risk analysis and HACCP-based approaches

• Capacity building and international cooperation projects

Trainers combine academic expertise, field experience and involvement in international programmes, ensuring a balance between strategic vision and practical implementation.

Guest speakers from public authorities, laboratories, professional organizations and international institutions may be invited depending on the programme format and country context.